The deadly nightshade is one of the classic poisonous plants, but you can still grow it. You can read how to do this here.
The deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna) belongs to the well-known group of nightshade plants and, as mentioned, is poisonous, which is why children should not be in the immediate vicinity of this plant or come into contact with it! However, deadly nightshade, like other plants, is a very popular source of food for native birds. So here is an explanation of how you can grow and care for deadly nightshade.
Blossom and fruit of deadly nightshade
The lush flowering phase of the black deadly nightshade begins as early as June and into August. Yellowish flower buds slowly turning into brownish-purple bell-shaped flowers. The blossom then develops into an initially green fruit that slowly changes to a shiny black color and immediately reminds every gardener of cherries.
Warning:
All parts of the plant, including the fruit, of the graceful deadly nightshade are poisonous. They can therefore also lead to skin irritations. You should therefore only ever touch the poisonous plant with gardening gloves.
Cultivation of Deadly Nightshade
In nature, the bushy deadly nightshade is often found in forest clearings, which is why you should also plant the plant in your garden in a partially shaded location.
Note that the plant prefers a nutrient-rich, albeit well-drained soil that is as cool as possible and should not be exposed to strong winds. You must therefore plant the deadly nightshade in a wind-protected place.
Hint:
Especially a hedge planting can be impressively enriched by the deadly nightshade, which grows to a height of around 150 centimetres. Because in the meantime, pure yellow, pink, lilac or white flowering deadly nightshade cultivars are also available in specialist shops.
Care of Deadly Nightshade
» Irrigation:
In principle, the robust deadly nightshade is hardy and can be kept in the garden without much maintenance. As for watering, you must use the black oneWater deadly nightshade only moderately all year round, which is only recommended during longer dry periods. Deadly nightshades do not tolerate waterlogging (danger of root rot).
» Fertilize:
Only in autumn should you work in plenty of compost around the belladonna, as it is commonly known. In the spring, loosen up the soil that has been fertilized in this way with a garden rake.
» pruning:
Weak and damaged twigs on the bush should always be removed immediately so that the actually quite lush blossoms of the deadly nightshade are not impaired. In autumn, after the end of the flowering/fruiting period, you have to shorten all the branches again or cut them into shape.